Sales of electric trucks have fallen from a small 1.4% to a trace 0.9% of the market, prompting the industry to ask ministers for a “new approach” to the ban on sales of new diesel HGVs pencilled in for 2040.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents truck firms, highlights that while 40 differfent models of zero-emission trucks are available, just 81 of the 9,390 new HGVs registered in the first three months of 2026 were zero emission, down from 97 in the same period last year.
The industry body says that while it supports the drive for net zero, a “pragmatic technology-open pathway to HGV decarbonisation” is required from ministers.
Government grants of up to £81,000 exist to encourage haulage firms to buy electric trucks, but despite £1bn being set aside for this goal, procurement managers remain deeply sceptical of the technology, with concerns over cost, cargo capacities, downtime and recharging availability among the perceived issues.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, commented: “The HGV industry is fully committed to decarbonisation, having already delivered zero emission models years ahead of natural demand. But while the goal of net zero by 2050 remains, we need a pathway that is realistic, affordable and delivers CO2 savings now.
“Government regulation must recognise the complexities of this critical market, which are far greater than the car or van sectors, and with so much of our economy dependent on freight, the priority must be to cut carbon in ways that accelerate fleet renewal without driving up costs.”
